- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 270 kcal
Quick summary
“Classic combination of slices of fresh Minas cheese with guava paste softened over low heat with water, known nationally as Romeo and Juliet. An emblematic and practical dessert that translates the perfect balance between milky salinity and the dense sweetness of guava.”
What you need to know
- The gentle melting of the guava paste with a little water over low heat transforms the firm sweet into a velvety and fluid syrup.
- The thermal contrast between the cold fresh cheese and the warm guava paste syrup enhances the aromas and textures of the ingredients.
- The balanced ratio of sweet to cheese prevents the sugar intensity from overpowering the mild flavor of the minas.
Ingredients
Main
- 200g of guava paste in pieces.
- 200g of fresh Minas cheese, cut into slices.
- Water (optional, to melt the guava paste).
Instructions
Principal
- If you prefer melted guava paste, place it in a pan with a little water and heat over low heat, stirring until melted.
- Set aside a plate and arrange the cheese slices on the edges.
- Place the melted or piece guava paste in the center of the plate.
- Serve while still warm for better flavor.
- If desired, accompany with coffee or tea for a special touch.
Chef's tips
- Chop the guava paste into small, regular cubes so they melt quickly in the pan without burning at the bottom.
- Cut slices of fresh Minas cheese about 1 cm thick and drain on paper towels to remove excess whey.
- Keep the heat very low and stir continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the syrup is smooth and shiny.
Variations
- Serve the goiabada cold cut into geometric slices interspersed with the cheese slices in a tower or decorative fan format.
- Add 1 tablespoon of port wine or aged cachaça to the melted guava paste to add aromatic complexity.
- Quickly grill the cheese slices in a very hot skillet before covering with the warm guava paste syrup.
Substitutions
- Fresh Minas cheese can be replaced by aged Canastra cheese, grilled coalho cheese, or firm requeijão.
- Traditional guava paste can be replaced with creamy guava paste from a jar or drained fig in syrup.
- Minas cheese can be swapped for fresh creamy ricotta or soft brie cheese for a contemporary presentation.
How to store
Store leftover cheese and guava paste in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the guava paste with a tablespoon of water over low heat before serving again next to the refrigerated cheese.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze fresh minas cheese, as thawing breaks the structure of the dairy mass, releasing whey and leaving the cheese crumbly and dry. Pure guava paste in a bar, however, supports freezing for up to 3 months.
What to serve with
Perfectly accompanies strong brewed coffee in a cloth strainer without sugar, white artisanal cachaça, or black tea with cinnamon. Sourdough bread toast toasted in olive oil brings crunchiness to the tasting.
Frequently asked questions
How to prevent the guava paste from burning in the pan?
Always cook over minimum heat, stirring constantly; if you notice the mixture is splashing or sticking to the bottom, remove from the stove burner for a few moments to stabilize the temperature.
What is the best type of Minas cheese for this combination?
Cured or semi-cured Minas cheese offers a better balance of salt and firm consistency, while fresh Minas cheese provides unique freshness and lightness to the contrast.
How much water should I use to melt the guava paste?
Use about 3 to 4 tablespoons of filtered water for every 200g of chopped guava paste, adding little by little as the sweet melts until you get a thick syrup consistency.
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